Wednesday, 16 September 2015

Two weeks in...

It has only been (nearly) two weeks of term but already the marking pile is growing, students are forgetting their homework and getting up at 6:30am is becoming increasingly dark. Back to business as normal. Which is why today I wanted to check if my goals for this academic year have already bee consumed or if I am trying to follow them.

Goal 1: Be prepared to take risks.

I feel pretty good about this goal so far. This week I have used digestive biscuits in my Year 10 lesson (majority of boys) to see how much they understand about coastal erosion. Some of them struggled to use their knowledge and creativity but some students made some brilliant diagrams using the biscuits. Some even thought to say that the blank piece of paper showed 'solution' as the sediment had been dissolved. I am going to use the digestive biscuit idea with my Year 12s as they are currently studying rivers to see how they tackle the task. My Year 12 lessons are also becoming more creative and I am looking forward to setting the 'River landforms Bake Off Challenge' soon!

I have also signed up for a middle leader course which will great to add to any future HOD applications. Last year I wouldn't have been brave enough to put my name forward as I felt like I was too inexperienced at the school.

Goal 2: Try writing more

I have been writing a diary this year and I have been trying to write in at least once a week even if I feel exhausted when I get into bed. This is also my second post in two weeks so that is a success!

Goal 3: Make time for friends, family and travelling

Over the past few weekends I have been to Plymouth to see family and met up with friends at home, making the most of my weekends. I need to get back to planning the California trip and finding out the best place to see the San Andreas fault!